Valentino Rossi: No second thoughts

Valentino Rossi insists he has no second thoughts about leaving Ducati, despite a second place finish in front of his home fans at Misano on Sunday.

The result was Rossi's joint-best as a Ducati MotoGP rider and he finished the race just 4.4s behind winner and world championship leader Jorge Lorenzo.

Seven time MotoGP champion Rossi is to return to Yamaha next season, alongside Lorenzo.

“Unfortunately in MotoGP we start to speak about the next year too early. So we have to do the decision too early in the season from my point of view,” began Rossi.

“But no [second thoughts]. The choice is done for next year and now for me it is very important to try and improve the bike and make some better results from here until the end, because it means that our work is good.

“Also if other riders can use the Ducati against me [next year] that is a positive thing.”

Rossi, who benefitted from a new frame and swingarm at Misano, played down his chances of winning in the remaining five rounds - but did admit that his motivation will be higher.

“If I can [win] that would be great for me and also for Ducati,” he said. “I don't know because Lorenzo, Pedrosa and Stoner this year are very fast. Today was all okay but we are still 4.4 [from victory] so we have to work.

“Every race has a different story, but being able to arrive at the circuit with a good motivation, knowing that it is possible to fight for a good result, changes things very much.”

When asked to clarify his earlier comment about MotoGP riders having to decide their future too early in the season, Rossi, whose Yamaha return was officially confirmed on August 10, added:

“After the first three or four races already everybody in MotoGP starts to speak about next year. For me it is too early. Start to speak after Brno [August], like ten years ago, is better.

“But it is like this and I [don't want to change] my choice for next year.”

Misano marked Rossi's third podium for Ducati since he arrived from Yamaha at the start of 2011.

The Doctor, who raced with a special helmet design featuring himself as a boxer on the ropes, is sixth in the world championship.